MRSA Prevention
Packs
A guide for patients
This information sheet is for patients who have been given an ‘MRSA Prevention Pack’ before
coming into hospital. MRSA stands for “Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus” and is a
variety of a common germ called Staphylococcus aureus which usually lives harmlessly on the skin
or in the nose of about one third of people. Many people who do have MRSA on their skin and/or
in their nose are also generally unharmed by it. This is called being colonised. When the germ gets
into the body through wounds, injuries, etc. a person might become infected and this can cause
complications. By using the contents of this pack (body wash and nasal ointment) as directed
below this may help prevent you from becoming infected during your stay in hospital.
Please read the below information before you start using the body wash (Octenisan®) and nasal
ointment (Mupirocin) contained in this pack.
 Use the body wash and nasal ointment the night before and the morning
of surgery.
 It is very important that you bring this pack back in with you when you
come into hospital
Octenisan® body wash.
®
1 Apply approximately 30mLs Octenisan undiluted to a dampened clean
washcloth.
2 Rub all over body and hair (like a body wash/shampoo). Pay particular attention to
armpits, belly button, groin, perineum and skin folds. Leave on for 3 minutes if you
can but for at least one minute.
3 Rinse off thoroughly.
4 Dry yourself with a clean and dry towel
You will also need to carry on washing with this body wash every day whilst you are
in hospital. If you are unable to wash yourself a member of staff will help wash you.
Mupirocin nasal ointment
1 Wash your hands.
2 Unscrew the cap and squeeze a small amount of
ointment, about the size of a match-head, on to your
little finger or cotton wool bud.
3 Apply ointment to the inside of one nostril.
4 Repeat for the other nostril using a clean cotton bud.
5 Close your nostrils by pressing the sides of the nose
together for a moment. This will spread the ointment
inside each nostril.
6 Wash your hands and replace the cap on the tube
7 Continue using three times a day for 5 days or until
discharge from hospital.
If you need further information on MRSA prevention packs then call the hospital
switchboard between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday on 01603 286286 and ask for
the Pharmacy Helpline.
Produced by Caroline Hallam, Pharmacy Department Reviewed 23.06.2016
Next Review Date: 23.06.2018
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